Robert M. Chu, Construction and Maintenance of Stormwater Outfalls, Natalie’s Place Subdivision, Tidal Drainage Ditch Associated with Betz Creek, Chatham County, Georgia

Chatham

This serves as notification from the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from Robert M. Chu for a Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (CMPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-280 et seq., to construct and maintain stormwater outfalls to service a new residential subdivision located on a tidally influenced county-maintained drainage ditch associated with Betz Creek, Chatham County, Georgia. The proposed project is under 1/10 of an acre, and therefore may be considered a minor alteration of coastal marshlands under O.C.G.A. 12-5-280 et. seq.

The applicant is proposing to construct a 6.97-acre subdivision.  The subdivision is located on a tidally influenced county-maintained drainage ditch that is subject to jurisdiction of the CMPA.  In order to comply with Chatham County stormwater management ordinances, three new outfalls are required to be installed. 

The marshlands component of the project area consists of 0.57-acres of an existing tidal drainage ditch that eventually flows into Betz Creek. The upland component will consist of all the activities occurring within the 50ft. marshlands buffer along the ditch which totals 2.24-acres and currently contains an existing county maintenance road.

The applicant proposes to impact approximately 326 square feet (0.007-acre) of the existing tidal drainage ditch with rip rap needed for erosion control under three (3) new 24 in. outfalls. Additionally, the applicant proposes to directionally bore a force main to connect a sanitary sewer to an existing pump station. Impacts associated with the sanitary sewer line total approximately 55 square feet (0.001-acre) over a 135ft. linear foot corridor.

The proposed activities within the upland component will consist of continued use of the maintenance road, installation of a bioswale (0.07-acres), a portion of an access road into the subdivision (0.31-acres), and the temporary impacts associated with the installation of the outfall structures. All the temporary impacts within the buffer will be restored to their preconstruction state.

The upland component will remain 87% pervious and 13% will be impervious.  Stormwater from the upland component will be treated by utilizing a series of stormwater ponds and bioswales. The proposed project adheres to the Coastal Stormwater Supplement and meets the requirements for quality and quantity.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. Impacts to coastal marshlands must be minimal in size. In passing upon the application for permit, the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee shall consider the public interest: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful obstruction to or alteration of the natural flow of navigational water within the affected area will arise as a result of the proposal; (2) Whether or not unreasonably harmful or increased erosion, shoaling of channels, or stagnant areas of water will be created; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicants proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, clams, or other marine life, wildlife, or other resources, including but not limited to water and oxygen supply.

Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed work should or should not proceed.  Comments and questions concerning this proposed project should be submitted in writing and be submitted by the close of business on February 16, 2019 to Paul Tobler, Department of Natural Resources, 1 Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.

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